Damage evolution during microcracking of brittle solids

Microcracking due to thermal expansion and elastic anisotropy is examined via computer simulations with a microstructural-based finite element model. Random polycrystalline microstructures are generated via Monte Carlo Potts-model simulations. Microcrack formation and propagation due to thermal expansion anisotropy is investigated in these microstructures using a Griffith-type failure criterion in a microstructural-based finite element model called OOF. Effects of the grain size distribution on the accumulation of microcrack damage, as well as on the threshold for microcrack initiation, are analysed. Damage evolution is rationalised by statistical considerations, i.e. damage accumulation is correlated with the statistical distributions of microstructural parameters.